In this interview, Renee Diamond discusses coming to Las Vegas via Los Angeles, with her husband and children in the 1970s and getting involved in politics. She talks about her husband, Leo, and his business selling vinyl records in L.A., and her work in a doctor's office. Once in Las Vegas, the Diamonds joined Temple Beth Sholom and later Congregation Ner Tamid. Renee talks about her involvement in the political arena in southern Nevada, including the League of Women Voters.
Community activism and social justice rank high in the legacy of Renee Diamond. She often refers to herself as one of the last of the generation without college degrees that could make a difference in the politics of the state. When Renee, her husband Leo Diamond moved their family to Las Vegas from southern California, the energetic advocate Renee quickly plugged into the community. The word "No" was not part of her vocabulary. Among the many Jewish and secular activities the she engaged in were: the editorial board of the Jewish Reporter newspaper; Hadassah; Anti-Defamation League; Red Cross Board; State Museum Board to name a few. She remains a vibrant Democratic Party leader and served one term on the Nevada Assembly in 1989. She was on the front lines as a fierce and active supporter of Welfare Rights, Fair Housing and the Equal Rights Amendment. It is a life that included working alongside illustrious women and men of Southern Nevada history. A list that includes: Harriet Trudell, Ruby Duncan, Myrna Williams and Dorothy Eisenberg and many more mentioned here. Meanwhile she raised four children and enjoyed a loving 43-year marriage with Leo (aka "Uncle Leo") whose career included the popular Bingo Palace, Slots-A-Fun and Stations Casinos. During this oral history interview she recalls the Las Vegas that she moved to in 1972 and reflects on what attracted people here, ways to be part of the Jewish life which might even include a bowling league and how involvement in raising social awareness was a worthy investment of ones' time. This is a look at a woman who made a difference.
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Taken from her obituary on Las Vegas Review Journals' site: "NAOMI CHERRY Naomi Cherry, of Las Vegas, passed away Feb. 21, 2014, after a long and joyful life. She was 89 years of age and a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind a devoted family and wonderful friends gathered over a lifetime. Born Dec. 1, 1924, in St. Louis, to parents, Abe and Jenny (nee Pollock) Barg, she was the eldest of five siblings, loved to dance and graduated from Soldan High School.
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Eileen (Milstein) Brookman (1921-2004) was member of the Nevada Assembly from 1967-1977 and 1987-1990. Small in stature but nicknamed "Queenie" by her admirers, she advocated passionately for the rights of persons with disabilities, minorities, people with low incomes, women, and especially the elderly. Brookman entered state politics in 1962 when she was appointed Indian Commissioner by Governor Grant Sawyer.
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